Who doesn’t love Johnny Cash? Even if you’re not a country fan, his music is impossible not to appreciate. But have you ever stopped to think about which guitar he played? It’s a question I’m sure many people have asked, and the answer is a little bit surprising.
Johnny Cash was a legendary singer and songwriter best known for his work in the country music genre. He was also a highly respected guitarist, and many of his fans wondered which guitar he played.
In most of his stage performances, Johnny Cash played a Martin D-35 guitar, but it is essential to note that he also played other guitars during his career.
After this reading, you will learn about the different guitars that Johnny Cash played, some famous songs Cash played on Martin D-35, and a few tips for playing guitar like Johnny Cash.
Johnny Cash and Martin D-35
One of the things that made Johnny Cash so great was his guitar playing. He was an accomplished guitarist, and he knew how to use his instrument to create the perfect sound for his songs.
The most often associated guitar with Cash was a Martin D-35, and he used it for most of his stage performances.
The D-35 is a popular choice for stage performances due to its loud and clear sound. The guitar has a three-piece back construction, which gives the instrument extra strength and stability. The D-35 is known for its bright, projecting sound with excellent volume and projection.
This guitar was his instrument of choice for many of his famous songs, including “I Walk the Line” and “Folsom Prison Blues.” If you’re a fan of Johnny Cash or looking for some great songs to add to your collection, be sure to check out the D-35 recordings. You won’t be disappointed.
Why Did Cash Choose Martin D-35?
Why did Cash choose the D-35 over other guitars? According to legend, it all came down to a coin toss. Cash was reportedly undecided between a D-35 and a Gibson J-45, so he flipped a coin to make his decision. When the coin came up heads, he chose the D-35 and never looked back.
While this story may be fictitious, there’s no denying that the D-35 has been a mainstay in Cash’s collection, appearing on some of his most famous recordings. Whether you’re a fan of Cash or just a lover of great guitar music, there’s no doubt that the Martin D-35 is a true classic.
What Guitars Did He Play Before Martin D-35?
Before Johnny Cash took the stage with his iconic Martin D-35, he played various other guitars during his performances.
These included the Höfner Congress, Gibson J-200, and Fender Kingman. While each of these guitars had its unique sound, Cash always managed to make them his own.
Höfner Congress
It was one of Cash’s favorite guitars early on in his career. He used it during many of his early performances, including the famous ”Ring of Fire” and ”Man in Black.” The Congress had a unique sound that was perfect for country music. However, it was also versatile enough for other genres, such as rock and roll.
Gibson J-200
The Gibson J-200 was another guitar that Cash frequently used during his performances. This guitar had a fuller sound than the Congress, making it ideal for more uptempo songs. Cash also used the J-200 during many of his live recordings, including “At San Quentin.“
Fender Kingman
Finally, the Fender Kingman was one of Cash’s later guitars. The Kingman had a mellower sound than the other guitars Cash played, making it perfect for ballads and slower songs. Cash used the Kingman during his later years, including on the album “American Recordings.”
Tips for Playing Guitar Like Johnny Cash
If you’re looking to play guitar like Johnny Cash, there are some things you’ll need to keep in mind.
- First of all, you’ll need an excellent acoustic guitar that’s been appropriately tuned and has an amazing, rich sound.
- You’ll also need some picks, and it doesn’t hurt to have a playing card, or two tucked into the strings (this helps create that classic “Cash sound”).
- When you’re ready to play, make sure you start with the right tune – something slow and simple that you can strum along to. And speaking of strumming, remember to keep your strokes even and consistent.
Final Thoughts
Martin D-35 was Cash’s instrument of choice for many of his famous songs, and it produces a rich, full sound that is perfect for country music. It is important to note that he also played other guitars during his career. You can easily play like the Man in Black with a bit of practice.
So what are you waiting for?
Frequently Asked Questions
Johnny Cash used a variety of different guitar picks throughout his career, but his favorite was the Fender Heavy pick.
Johnny Cash’s Grammer guitar was sold for $131,000 at an auction.
